What’s better than opening one show this fall? Opening two shows this fall! The repertory aspect is a new frontier we’re trekking into: two shows, four actors, one director, one actor-director, five weeks, go! Join us, I promise this journey won’t be boring.

Along the way, we are doing our first series of Pay-What-You-Can (PWYC) previews on October 16 & 17. The reason for these PWYC previews is two-fold. First, we want to give every member of our community the chance to experience theatre, regardless of their income. Second, as a not-for-profit, we understand the importance of awareness and we want to recognize local organizations and our appreciation for them in all the things they are doing for our community.

On October 16th, half of the proceeds from the God of Carnage preview will benefit The Shelter for Abused Women & Children. We’re thrilled to be among many activities in Naples and across the country that supporters of The Shelter can participate in for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The ‘Art’ preview will take place on October 17th and half of the proceeds will benefit The United Arts Council of Collier County. Why not have a play called ‘Art’ benefit the biggest source of information about arts organization in the county?

Here are the details for both nights:

Minimum donation of $1 by cash, check or credit card

General Admission tickets will be handed out starting at 7:00 p.m. (Limit of four tickets per person)

Your ticket will include a number. This number will be your place in line when the doors open.

Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Patrons will be able to enter the theatre in groups in the order of the number on their ticket.

Show starts at 8:00 p.m.

These PWYC previews begin our year of partnerships. We’re so thankful and blessed that five organizations of all varieties in the community are willing to work with us this season. It’s our motto of “teamwork makes the dream work” in action!

I asked Mary Ann Green, Development & Public Relations Officer at The Shelter for Abused Women & Childrenand Elaine Hamilton, Executive Director at The United Arts Council of Collier County several questions about their organizations and these previews:

“We’re all excited to see the performance, but I think what is truly amazing is the opportunity to collaborate with Gulfshore Playhouse and, of course, offer folks the opportunity to come and see this performance at whatever fee they can afford. It’s a win-win-win situation.”

It’s National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, what other events are going on this month?

“This year we’re really focusing on getting our messages out to the entire community. So, in addition to this performance, you can support our efforts by attending Strut Your Mutt, Naples’ premier pet Halloween Costume Contest hosted with Humane Society Naples and sponsored by Germain BMW, on Saturday, October 20th at 10 a.m. Then, head down the road for “Mercato Goes Purple” for day-long activities and awareness at your favorite local hang-out! We wrap-up the month with our Immokalee Children’s Fair & Peace March on Main Street on Saturday, October 27 starting at 10 a.m. Of course, all of these details can be found on the Events page of our website, www.naplesshelter.org”

What’s one program or service that people might not realize that The Shelter takes part in?

“Well, I think there are several ‘myths’ that exist about The Shelter. One is that we serve only women and children, when in fact we serve all victims of domestic violence – men, women, children and their pets. Another myth – that we are just an emergency shelter when in reality, we offer such a wide-range of services designed not only to protect victims and survivors, but prevent abuse before it can even begin. I would add that our programs truly serve everyone in the community as we are working to prevail over this social ill through advocacy, empowerment and social change. So, I think the comprehensive nature of our programs and services is something our community may not fully understand.

You can find 24-hour support and assistance at 239.775.1101, TTY 239.775.4265, or www.naplesshelter.org. Also, we are very fortunate to be able to partner with sister organizations, such as Gulfshore Playhouse, to the benefit of our community.”

November is Celebrate the Arts Month, what kind of events are going on to celebrate?

“There are over 100 different events at locations throughout the county, and many of them are free. Check out the schedule at www.CelebrateTheArts.org.”

What’s one program or service that people might not realize that the United Arts Council takes part in?

“Every day over 1,000 at-risk students in Immokalee participate in our after-school classes in the visual and performing arts.”

The United Arts Council just started a new program called the Contemporaries. Can you tell me more about that?

“The Contemporaries is a membership group for young professionals aged 25 – 45 created to enhance the arts experience. The goal is to develop the next generation of arts patrons and help fill empty seats at the area’s performing arts venues. The Contemporaries will schedule regular social and informational gatherings and partner with local nonprofit arts groups to host events.”

Special thanks to Mary Ann & Elaine for answering these questions for me and for their participation in our PWYC previews. We’ll see you at the show!